Hey everyone! Today we completed Day 1 of the Camino. 11km down, 789 to go! It was tough but beautiful! We started with fog and chilly weather, but quickly pulled off layers due to the dramatic incline instantaneously. We walked 11km at almost a consistent 17% incline (not cool). But the gorgeous views really made up for it!
Along the way we met tons of people from all over the world. I find the majority of people seem to be middle aged, but my Dad says he notices more young people since they stand out due to going so much faster haha. We also came across a very random vending machine in the middle of nowhere haha.
Sadly, my new hiking poles were gone this morning! I’m holding onto the hope that someone mistook them as their own and off they went, an honest mistake. Maybe they needed them more than I. Since we came back to the same hostel tonight (more on that later), I spoke with the owner and after not seeing them for the entire day, he gave me a pair that was left behind long ago and never claimed, so for tomorrow I’ll be set!
The first two days of our trip is actually one leg of the Camino, split in half. Because it’s so steep and strenuous, it’s advised people do it in two days to avoid injury. However, the small hostels at the halfway point were all full so we got a shuttle back to St. Jean, and in the morning the shuttle will take us to where we ended today to continue on.
It’s been a lovely warm day, with a cool breeze to keep us from overheating. But something about the sun in Europe is hitting me hard. I wore my hat all day, and still – sunburnt. The backs of my hands are slightly burned, too.
Otherwise, my Dad and I loved the first day on the Camino and look forward to completing the next 15km tomorrow, of slightly easier terrain! Oh, fun fact: our hostel building was built in 1528!! Have a great day, miss you all!
Buen Camino,
Hannah and Tony
